Nigeria’s President, Bola Tinubu, has expressed his commitment to collaborating with global tech giant Google Incorporated to create one million digital jobs in Nigeria. The President made this assurance during a visit by Google Global Vice President, Richard Gingras, to the State House in Abuja.
President Tinubu highlighted Nigeria’s pool of creative and talented young individuals ready to learn and adapt to emerging technologies like Artificial Intelligence. He acknowledged Google’s capabilities and tools as vital resources for enabling the youth to excel.
In response, Mr. Gingras expressed Google’s willingness to partner with Nigeria and lauded the country for its vibrant and innovative young population. He emphasized Google’s interest in supporting the government’s efforts to create one million digital jobs. Mr. Gingras also mentioned Google’s subsea cable called Equiano, named after the Nigerian slave abolitionist, which landed in Nigeria in April 2022 and will contribute significantly to future internet connectivity demands.
During the meeting, the President stressed the importance of free speech, freedom of the press, and democracy. He affirmed the public interest in safeguarding these principles, asserting that Nigeria is dedicated to supporting a free society. Mr. Gingras assured President Tinubu that Google would assist in securing Nigeria in the age of disinformation and fake news.
The collaboration between Nigeria and Google aims to capitalize on the potential of the country’s digital economy and empower young people to become digital entrepreneurs. This initiative aligns with Nigeria’s ongoing economic reforms and showcases the government’s commitment to fostering innovation and technological advancements.
The visit concluded with Mr. Gingras expressing his admiration for Nigeria’s vibrant and talented youth and reaffirming Google’s commitment to supporting the country’s digital economy initiatives. As the partnership continues, both parties strive to expand access to information, promote democracy, and cultivate a thriving digital ecosystem in Nigeria.
The President’s commitment to working alongside global tech leaders like Google demonstrates Nigeria’s determination to harness digital innovation and cultivate a generation of skilled digital professionals. With their collective efforts, the creation of one million digital jobs in Nigeria is set to drive economic growth, empower the youth, and shape the country’s technological landscape for years to come.
